- Crisafulli Government investment kick-starts silica mining south of Innisfail, creating 180 new jobs.
- Mourilyan Silica Sands project to ramp up production, positioning Queensland as major exporter of high-quality silica sand and flour to Asia-Pacific.
- The mineral is a key component for glass, solar and automotive industries.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering 180 new jobs in Far North Queensland, as the Mourilyan Silica Sands project starts exporting more high-quality silica following a $30 million investment by the Queensland Investment Corporation.
It is one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland, by restoring the State's reputation on the world stage after a decade of decline and missed opportunities under Labor.
Silica Resources Australia (SRA) will ramp up annual production to more than 360,000 tonnes in the next 12 months and more than 750,000 tonnes within the next 5 years.
Once the silica flour has been extracted, it will be trucked 27 kilometres to the Port of Mourilyan, and shipped to key trading partners and markets across Asia.
Meeting SRA at the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney today, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the investment allows the Cassowary Coast to leverage its proximity to key export markets and cement its position as a major player in global critical mineral supply chains.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, Far North Queensland is finally getting the investment it deserves," Minister Bates said.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start with new jobs, investment and trade opportunities, so Queenslanders can get on with building the lifestyles they deserve," Minister Bates said.
"That includes investing in the development of high-quality assets, like the Mourilyan Silica Sands project.
"Silica flour is an essential precursor for silicon, a key component in advanced technologies like semiconductors and solar panels.
"Demand in countries like Japan, Korea and Taiwan is growing rapidly, and we are taking strong action to make sure Queensland is essential in the global supply chain.
"Our investment through QIC has delivered the plant, equipment, and land acquisitions for SRA to get on with creating jobs and mining the more than 50 million tonnes of silica sand on the project site.
"Under Labor, the Port of Mourilyan was underutilised. QIC's investment in SRA will help deliver better outcomes and stronger returns, with better utilisation of a key asset and a significant local employer."
Silica Resources Australia Managing Director Rob Tindall said the project will look to develop its own common user infrastructure at the port as expansion works commence.
"This investment and our existing mining lease has allowed us to start extracting from a silica deposit requiring only shallow, low-cost extraction methods," Mr Tindall said.
"Silica flour is required to make the silicon used in solar panels and electronics, with other uses in construction sand, 3D printing and fibreglass.
"Demand driven by solar and clean energy technologies is anticipated to grow the global silica sand market to more than $36 billion by 2032, and this project allows North Queensland to secure a stake in that market while creating local employment and trade opportunities.
"We thank our investors, the Queensland Government and QIC for their ongoing support and look forward to what promises to be an exciting year ahead."
